Water saver toilet control valves and methods

ABSTRACT

In accordance with embodiments of apparatus and methods, a control valve suitable for use with a gravity-assisted flush toilet is presented providing means for automatically controlling the supply of mains water to the bowl. In accordance with some embodiments, the control valve supplies at least a portion of the mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir until the tank water level is at a predetermined height in the tank reservoir, at which time, the control valve diverts at least a portion of the mains water supplied by the fill valve bowl outlet to the overflow pipe, and therefore to the bowl.

FIELD

The embodiments presented herein are generally related to toilet tankplumbing and more particularly to valves that control the flow of waterto the toilet bowl.

BACKGROUND

The toilet is one of the biggest users and wasters of water in thehousehold.

The modern gravity-assisted flush toilet 50 is well known in the art asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The toilet 50 comprises a bowl 80 and atank 90. The tank 90 is placed at a height that is higher than the bowl80. The tank 90 defines a tank reservoir 92 that is coupled in fluidcommunication to the bowl 80. The tank reservoir 92 stores a quantity oftank water 94 so as to provide a rush of water into the bowl 80 when aflush valve 96 between the tank reservoir 92 and the bowl 80 is opened.

The bowl 80 provides a pool of bowl water 84 that is coupled in fluidcommunication to a drain 52 by a water trap 88. When the bowl water 84reaches an overflow level 89, the bowl water 84 overflows into the drain52 at an overflow 83 taking any waste in the bowl 80 with it. In mosttoilets 50 the bowl 80 is constructed such that when tank water 94 inthe tank reservoir 92 is quickly released into the bowl 80, the tankwater 94 is directed towards the water trap 88 and drain 52 through thebowl water 84 which creates a siphoning action assisting in draining thebowl water 84. The water trap 88 provides a water seal between the bowl80 and the drain 52 to prevent sewer gas from entering the bowl 80 fromthe drain 52. The overflow level 89, defined by the top of the overflow83, determines the maximum height of the bowl water 84 when the flushand refill is completed.

Valves and other plumbing associated with the flush toilet are wellknown in the art. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the main plumbingcomponents of a flush toilet 50 include a fill valve 60, an overflowpipe 70, and a flush valve 96. The fill valve 60 refers to the device inthe tank reservoir 92 that controls the flow of mains water from thewater main 54 to the tank reservoir 92 and bowl 80. The fill valve 60includes a fill valve inlet 62 that is coupled in fluid communication tothe water main 54. The fill valve 60 includes a fill valve tank outlet64 and a fill valve bowl outlet 66 which direct mains water to the tankreservoir 92 and the bowl 80, respectively, at the same time as the fillvalve inlet 62 is in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet64 and the fill valve bowl outlet 66. The fill valve 60 is controlled bya fill vane float 68 that is coupled to the fill valve 60 in such a waythat when the tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92, and thus the fillvane float 68, is below a predetermined level, referred to as the fillvane float maximum level 69, the fill valve 60 is opened to fill thetank reservoir 92 and bowl 80 with water. When the raising water in thetank reservoir 92 raises the fill vane float 68 to the fill vane floatmaximum level 69, the fill valve 60 is closed shutting off the flow ofmains water to the tank reservoir 92 and the bowl 80. Thus, the fillvalve 60 stops filling the bowl 80 when the tank reservoir 92 is filled.

The overflow pipe 70 is a vertical tube defining a lumen therethroughthat is open at the overflow pipe top 72 defining an overflow pipe inlet78. The overflow pipe 70 drains water from the tank reservoir 92 that isabove the overflow pipe top 72, and thus determines an overflow pipelevel 74 defining the maximum height of the tank water 94 in the tankreservoir 92. The overflow pipe 70 defines an overflow pipe outlet 79that is coupled in fluid communication to the bowl 80 such that overflowwater from the tank reservoir 92 is drained to the bowl 80. The overflowpipe 70 prevents the water from overflowing the top of the tankreservoir 92 in cases where the fill valve 60 malfunctions and does notturn off the flow of mains water.

During a flush, the tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92 is releasedinto the bowl 80 via a tank conduit 97, the opening and closing of whichis controlled by the flush valve 96. The flush valve 96 is commonlycoupled to a handle by a chain 98. A user engages the handle to open theflush valve 96 so as to release the tank water 94 into the bowl 80, andthus, flushing the toilet 50. The flush valve 96 is commonly held in theopen position by a buoyancy effect on the flush valve 96 by the tankwater and closes, sealing the tank conduit 97, when the buoyancy effectis reduced by the lowering tank water level 95 in the tank reservoir 92during the flush. The flush valve 96 is held closed by the waterpressure of the tank water 94 during refill and inactivity.

After the tank water 94 is released into the bowl 80, the siphoningeffect of the emptying bowl 80 into the drain 52 may leave the bowl 80with a less than desired amount of bowl water 84 were it not for thefill valve 60 refilling the bowl 80. The fill valve 60 supplies water tothe fill valve bowl outlet 66 simultaneously with supplying mains waterto the fill valve tank outlet 64. The fill valve bowl outlet 66 iscoupled in fluid communication to the overflow pipe inlet 78 by a bowlrefill hose 76. The fill valve 60 supplies a portion of the water fromthe water main 54 to the tank reservoir 92 and to the overflow pipe 70.The water supplied to the overflow pipe 70 drains into the bowl 80through the overflow pipe outlet 79 thus refilling the bowl 80 withwater.

Since the fill valve 60 supplies mains water to the fill valve bowloutlet 66 simultaneously with supplying mains water to the fill valvetank outlet 64, the timing of the tank reservoir refill and bowl refillhas been a long standing problem with the modern flush toilet 50.Ideally, the bowl 80 and tank reservoir 92 will reach theirpredetermined fill levels simultaneously. This ideal condition israrely, if ever, achieved. Where the bowl 80 refills with water beforethe tank reservoir 92 is full and the fill valve 60 is closed, excessbowl water 84 in the bowl 80 overflows the water trap 88 and is wasteddown the drain 52. Where the tank reservoir 92 refills before the bowl80 refills, a less than ideal amount of bowl water 84 will be in thebowl 80. The ideal water level in the bowl 80 is rarely achieved withoutwasting bowl water 84 over the water trap 88.

The timing of tank water 94 and bowl water 84 refill is influenced bymany factors and variables. Such factors include, but are not limitedto, the proportion of mains water divided between the fill valve tankoutlet 64 and the fill valve bowl outlet 66, and the size of the tankreservoir 92 and bowl 80 of a particular model of toilet 50. Suchvariables also include, but are not limited to, whether a partial orfull flush is used (the time that the flush valve remains open), thewater pressure from the water main 54, and the effectiveness of thesiphoning action which may be dependent on waste load.

The timing of tank water 94 and bowl water 84 refill is furthercomplicated by the use of various “water-saving” devices. Manywater-saving devices are directed to controlling the amount of tankwater 94 used from the tank reservoir 92 to supply the bowl 80. Forexample, in an effort to save water, two-stage flush mechanisms havebeen developed where, in a first stage, or partial flush, only a portionof the tank water 94 is allowed to pass through the flush valve 96 toaccommodate the flushing of liquid waste. Since less tank water 94 isreleased from the tank reservoir 92, tank reservoir 92 refilling isfaster with less mains water used than a full flush. A second stageprovides a more complete tank reservoir 92 discharge to accommodate theflushing of solid waste. Since more tank water 94 is released from thetank reservoir 92, tank reservoir 92 refilling is slower with more mainswater required than the first stage flush. Regardless of which stage isused for a particular flush, the bowl 80 is required to be refilled to adesired level. Therefore, the amount of mains water for bowl refill iscommonly adjusted to be completed by the time the tank reservoir 92 isrefilled for the stage one, shortest refill time, condition. Therefore,in the stage two condition, the bowl 80 is supplied with much more mainswater than necessary to refill the bowl 80 wasting the overflowing waterthrough the water trap 88 to the drain 52.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved apparatus andmethods for conserving water usage by controlling tank and bowl refillsuch that an ideal water level may be achieved in the bowl withoutwasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during therefilling of the bowl.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provided herein provide apparatus and methods suitable foruse with a gravity-assisted flush toilet for automatically controllingthe flow of water from a fill valve bowl outlet of a fill valve to thetank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the water level in thebowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trapand down the drain during the refilling of the bowl.

Embodiments are provided of a control valve for use with a toilet. Thetoilet includes a tank in fluid communication with a bowl. The tankdefines a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housingassociated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve. Theoverflow pipe includes a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipeinlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and anoverflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with thebowl. The fill valve includes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tankoutlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valvebowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. Thefill valve inlet is in fluid communication with the fill valve tankoutlet and the fill valve bowl outlet. The bowl is in fluidcommunication with a water trap and drain, The control valve comprisesmeans for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fillvalve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to controlthe water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowlwater over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of thebowl.

Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controllingthe flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoirand the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the waterfrom the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir until the waterlevel in the tank reservoir is at a predetermined height, at which timethe means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fillvalve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl is operable tocommunicate at least a portion of the water from the fill valve bowloutlet to the overflow pipe inlet and therefore to the bowl.

Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controllingthe flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoirand the bowl is operable to communicate at least a portion of the waterfrom the fill valve bowl outlet to the overflow pipe inlet and thereforeto the bowl until the water level in the tank reservoir is at apredetermined height, at which time the means for automaticallycontrolling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to thetank reservoir and the bowl is operable to communicate at least aportion of the water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tankreservoir.

Embodiments are provided wherein the means for automatically controllingthe flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoirand the bowl comprises a valve body, a vane, and buoyancy means. Thevalve body includes a body outer surface and a body inner surfacedefining a valve chamber. The valve body defines an inlet, a firstoutlet and a second outlet. Each of the inlet, first outlet and secondoutlet provides fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the bodyouter surface such that water may flow into and out of the valvechamber. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and is operableto substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and asecond sub-chamber. The vane comprises a vane first side and a vanesecond side opposite the vane first side. The vane first side defines aportion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defining aportion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantiallyconform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body soas to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between thefirst sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotallycoupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable toallow rotation of the vane between a first position and a secondposition. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, andthe second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantiallyrestrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only thefirst outlet when the vane is in the first position and to substantiallyrestrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only thesecond outlet when the vane is in the second position. The buoyancymeans is operable to move the vane between the first position and thesecond position in cooperative engagement with water in the tankreservoir.

Embodiments are provided wherein the buoyancy means comprises a vanefloat coupled to the vane wherein the position of the vane is controlledby the buoyancy of the vane float in cooperative engagement with waterin the tank reservoir. When water in the tank reservoir is disengagedfrom the vane float, the vane float positions the vane in the firstposition, and wherein when the water in the tank reservoir engages andlifts the vane float, the vane float rotates the vane to the secondposition.

Embodiments are provided wherein the valve body further comprises a pairof apertures aligned with the pivot axis, and an armature defining aC-shape including two armature ends operable to extend through the valvebody via the apertures to couple with opposite edges of the vaneintersecting the pivot axis. The cooperative arrangement of the armatureends and the apertures are operable to allow pivotal motion of the vane.The vane float is coupled to the armature.

Embodiments are provided wherein the first outlet defines an elongatedslot operable to provide fluid communication between the valve chamberand the tank reservoir. The control valve further comprises a vane floatstem extending from an edge of the vane and extending through the slotand coupled to the vane float.

Embodiments are provided of toilet system comprising a toilet and ancontrol valve. The toilet includes a tank in fluid communication with abowl. The tank defines a tank reservoir operable for storing water andhousing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve.The overflow pipe includes a lumen therethrough defining an overflowpipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir andan overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication withthe bowl. The fill valve includes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tankoutlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valvebowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. Thefill valve inlet is in fluid communication with the fill valve tankoutlet and the fill valve bowl outlet. The control valve comprises avalve body, a vane, and a buoyancy means. The valve body includes a bodyouter surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber. Thevalve body defines an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. Each ofthe inlet, first outlet and second outlet provides fluid conduits fromthe body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water mayflow into and out of the valve chamber. The inlet is operable for fluidcommunication with the fill valve bowl outlet. The first outlet isoperable for fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the secondoutlet is operable for fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet.The vane comprises a vane first side and a vane second side opposite thevane first side. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and isoperable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a firstsub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The vane first side defines aportion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defines aportion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantiallyconform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body soas to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between thefirst sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotallycoupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable toallow rotation of the vane between a first position and a secondposition. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, andthe second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantiallyrestrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only thefirst outlet when the vane is in the first position wherein both theinlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber,and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet tosubstantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the secondposition wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-locatedwithin the second sub-chamber. The buoyancy means is operable to movethe vane between the first position and the second position incooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir forautomatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowloutlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the waterlevel in the bowl.

Embodiments are provided wherein the buoyancy means is a vane float. Theposition of the vane is controlled by the buoyancy of the vane float incooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir. When water inthe tank reservoir is disengaged from the vane float, the vane floatpositions the vane in the first position. When the water in the tankreservoir engages and lifts the vane float, the vane float rotates thevane to the second position.

Embodiments of methods are provided for automatically controlling theflow of water in a toilet from a fill valve bowl outlet to a tankreservoir and a bowl operable to control the water level in the bowl andto substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and downthe drain during the refilling of the bowl. The methods compriseproviding a toilet and an control valve. The toilet includes a tank influid communication with a bowl. The tank defines a tank reservoiroperable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including anoverflow pipe and a fill valve. The overflow pipe includes a lumentherethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluidcommunication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at anopposite end in fluid communication with the bowl. The fill valveincludes a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluidcommunication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet influid communication with the overflow pipe inlet. The fill valve inletis in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fillvalve bowl outlet. The bowl is in fluid communication with a water trapand drain. The control valve comprises a valve body, a vane, a buoyancymeans, and an overflow pipe coupler. The valve body includes a bodyouter surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber. Thevalve body defines an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. Each ofthe inlet, first outlet and second outlet provides fluid conduits fromthe body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water mayflow into and out of the valve chamber. The inlet is operable for fluidcommunication with the fill valve bowl outlet. The first outlet isoperable for fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the secondoutlet is operable for fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet.The vane comprises a vane first side and a vane second side opposite thevane first side. The vane is disposed within the valve chamber and isoperable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a firstsub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The vane first side defines aportion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defines aportion of the second sub-chamber. The vane is operable to substantiallyconform to the geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body soas to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between thefirst sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. The vane is pivotallycoupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable toallow rotation of the vane between a first position and a secondposition. The vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, andthe second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantiallyrestrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only thefirst outlet when the vane is in the first position wherein both theinlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber,and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet tosubstantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the secondposition wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-locatedwithin the second sub-chamber. The buoyancy means is operable to movethe vane between the first position and the second position incooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir forautomatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowloutlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control the waterlevel in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water overthe water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl. Theoverflow pipe coupler is coupled to the valve body. The overflow pipecoupler comprises a means for removable coupling with the overflow pipeand operable for adjusting the position of the control valve along thelength of the overflow pipe. The method further comprises installing thecontrol valve in the tank reservoir by receiving the overflow pipecoupler onto the overflow pipe such that the buoyancy means may interactwith the water in the tank reservoir operable to move the vane between afirst position and a second position, positioning the overflow controlvalve higher on the overflow pipe if the bowl water level is above apredetermined level at the completion of a flush refill, and positioningthe overflow control valve lower on the overflow pipe if the bowl waterlevel is below a predetermined level at the completion of a flushrefill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of theinvention are illustrated in the following Figures.

FIG. 1 is a side partially cut-away view of a flush toilet known in theart;

FIG. 2 is a front partially cut-away view of a tank of a flush toiletknown in the art;

FIG. 3 is a side partially cut-away view of a flush toilet comprising acontrol valve in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front partially cut-away view of a flush toilet comprising acontrol valve in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the control valve in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along cutline 6-6 of the control valveshown in FIG. 5, the cutline being substantially parallel to the vane;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views along cutline 7-7 of the controlvalve shown in FIG. 5, the cutline being substantially perpendicular tothe vane;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the straight-vane control valve of theembodiment of FIGS. 5-8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bent-vane control valve;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along cutline 11-11 of the controlvalve shown in FIG. 10, the cutline being substantially perpendicular tothe bent vane;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along cutline 12-12 of the controlvalve shown in FIG. 11, the cutline being substantially parallel to ahalf vane

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along cutline 11-11 of the controlvalve shown in FIG. 10, the cutline being substantially perpendicular tothe bent vane;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the bent-vane control valve of the embodimentof FIGS. 10-13;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of using and adjusting the controlvalve, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view, of a bent-vane controlvalve, in accordance with an embodiment of a control valve;

FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a control valve, inaccordance with another embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a control valve, inaccordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, theappearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or moreembodiments.

Reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the drawingsand specific language which will be used to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications ofthe illustrated embodiments and further applications of the principlesof the invention, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the invention relates, are also within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, embodiments of a control valve 2 arepresented providing a means for automatically controlling the supply ofmains water to the bowl 80 so as to control the level of water in thebowl, substantially prevent bowl overfilling, operable for controllingwater waste and minimizing tank reservoir refill time, among otherthings. Embodiments of the control valve 2 are in fluid communicationwith a fill valve bowl outlet 66, an overflow pipe 70, and the tankreservoir 92, operable to control the mains water to the overflow pipe70, and therefore to the bowl 80.

In accordance with some embodiments, the control valve 2 supplies atleast a portion of the mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet 66 tothe tank reservoir 92 until the tank water level 95 is at apredetermined height in the tank reservoir 92, at which time, thecontrol valve 2 diverts at least a portion of the mains water suppliedby the fill valve bowl outlet 66 to the overflow pipe 70, and thereforeto the bowl 80.

In accordance with other embodiments, the control valve 2 comprisesmeans for supplying mains water from the fill valve bowl outlet 66 tothe overflow pipe 70, and thus the bowl 80, until the tank water level95 reaches a predetermined height in the tank reservoir 92, at whichtime the control valve 2 diverts water supplied by the fill valve bowloutlet 66 to the tank reservoir 92.

FIGS. 5-8 are perspective, lateral cross-sectional, and transversecross-sectional views, respectively, of a straight-vane control valve100, in accordance with an embodiment of an control valve 2. Thestraight-vane control valve 100 comprises a valve body 10, a straightvane 34, and a vane float 40. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view alongcutline 6-6 of the control valve 100 shown in FIG. 5, the cutline beingsubstantially parallel to the straight vane 34. The straight vane 34defines a rectangular profile operable to substantially divide a valvechamber 12 into two sub-chambers as explained below. FIGS. 7 and 8 arecross-sectional views along cutline 7-7 of the control valve 100 shownin FIG. 5, the cutline being substantially perpendicular to the straightvane 34. The straight vane 34 in FIG. 7 is in a first position P1 and inFIG. 8 is in a second position P2.

The straight-vane control valve 100 comprises the valve body 10 having abody outer surface 14 and a body inner surface 16 defining a valvechamber 12. The valve body 10 is substantially hollow with the valvechamber 12 defining a substantially cylindrical shape with asubstantially circular transverse cross-section as shown in FIGS. 7 and8. The valve body 10 defines an inlet 20, a first outlet 22, and asecond outlet 24, each providing fluid conduits from the body innersurface 16 to the body outer surface 14 such that fluid may flow intoand out of the valve chamber 12.

The straight-vane control valve 100 further comprises a vane 30, in theembodiment of FIGS. 6-8, in the form of a straight vane 34. The straightvane 34 is operable to divide the valve chamber 12 into a firstsub-chamber 13 and a second sub-chamber 15. The straight vane 34comprises a vane first side 35 and a vane second side 37 opposite thevane first side 35, the vane first side 35 defining a portion of thefirst sub-chamber 13 and the vane second side 37 defining a portion ofthe second sub-chamber 15. The straight vane 34 is operable tosubstantially conform to the geometry of the body inner surface 16 ofthe valve body 10 so as to establish a substantially fluid tightcooperation between the first sub-chamber 13 and the second sub-chamber15. As will be discussed below, an absolute fluid-tight separationbetween the first sub-chamber 13 and a second sub-chamber 15 is notrequired for satisfactory function of the straight-vane control valve100. Further, freedom of rotation within the valve chamber 12 mayrequire that the vane edge 38 have enough clearance from the body innersurface 16 to reduce any friction therebetween with the water providinglubrication therewith.

The straight vane 34 is pivotally coupled within the valve chamber 12and is operable to present the straight vane 34 in a first position P1and thus substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20to substantially only the first outlet 22, which is coupled in fluidcommunication to the tank reservoir 92, along a first flow path 26, asboth the inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are co-located within thefirst sub-chamber 13. And, for presenting the straight vane 34 in thesecond position P2 and thus substantially restricting fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet24, which is coupled in fluid communication to the overflow pipe 70,along the second flow path 28, as both the inlet 20 and the secondoutlet 24 are co-located within the second sub-chamber 15.

It is appreciated that there are many means for pivotally coupling thestraight vane 34 to the valve body 10. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodimentwherein a vane pivot element 32 comprises a dimple projection 31extending from opposite vane edges 38 operable to cooperate withcorresponding divots 17 in the body inner surface 16. The divot 17 isoperable to allow pivotal motion of the dimple projection 31 therein.

The inlet 20 comprises an inlet nipple 21 operable for coupling with afirst refill hose 76 a, which may have been the bowl refill hose 76where the control valve 100 is retrofitted onto an existing toilet. Thefirst refill hose 76 a is operable for providing a fluid connectionbetween the fill valve bowl outlet 66 of the fill valve 60 and the inlet20. The second outlet 24 comprises a second outlet nipple 25 operablefor coupling with a second refill hose 76 b. The second refill hose 76 bis operable for providing a fluid connection between the second outlet24 and the overflow pipe 70.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first outlet 22 definesan elongated slot 18 that provides, among other things, a fluid path outof the valve chamber 12 and mechanical access to the vane float 40. Inaccordance with other embodiments discussed below, the first outlet 22may comprise a first outlet nipple suitable for a particular purpose.

The straight-vane control valve 100 further comprises a vane float 40coupled to the edge 38 of the straight vane 34 by a float stem 42. Themovement of the straight vane 34 from the first position P1 to thesecond position P2 is affected by the buoyancy of the vane float 40operable to rotate the straight vane 34 about the vane pivot element 32in accordance to the tank water level 95 of tank water 94 in the tankreservoir 92, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The pivot axis X upon which thestraight vane 34 pivots, is positioned parallel with the tank waterlevel 95 such that when the tank water 94 raises and falls, the vanefloat 40 raises and falls, respectively, and thus moving the straightvane 34 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

The position of the straight vane 34 is controlled by the cooperation ofthe vane float 40 with the tank water 94. When the tank water 94 isbelow the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the straight vane34, is in the first position P1. When the tank water 94 lifts the vanefloat 40 due to buoyancy affect, the straight vane 34 rotates to thesecond position P2.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the straight-vane control valve 100 of theembodiment of FIGS. 5-8. The straight-vane control valve 100 furthercomprises an overflow pipe coupler 46, in accordance with an embodiment.In accordance with an embodiment, the overflow pipe coupler 46 comprisesa split ring 47 comprises a first half ring 43 and a second half ring 44that are operable to couple with the overflow pipe 70. The split ring 47defines an inner diameter for cooperative engagement with the outersurface of the overflow pipe 70 having a complementary diameter. Afastener 48 is operable to clamp the split ring 47 for securingengagement with the overflow pipe 70. As will be discussed furtherbelow, the overflow pipe coupler 46 is operable to allow removablecoupling with the overflow pipe 70 and to allow for adjusting theposition of the straight-vane control valve 100 along the length of theoverflow pipe 70.

In accordance with another embodiment, a coupler pivot 49 pivotallycouples the second half ring 44 of the split ring 47 to the first halfring 43. The coupler pivot 49 allows for spreading apart the second halfring 44 relative to the first half ring 43 such that the overflow pipe70 may be positioned therebetween.

It is appreciated that the means for diverting mains water from the fillvalve bowl outlet 66 to the overflow pipe 70 and tank reservoir 92 maybe affected by a number of elements. The straight vane 34 discussedabove is but one example of a vane 30. Further, it is appreciated thatthere are various means for pivoting the vane 30 within the valvechamber 12, where the vane pivot element 32 in the form of a dimpleprojection 31 cooperating with divots 17 in the valve chamber 12 is butone example.

FIGS. 10-14 are perspective, transverse cross-sectional, lateralcross-sectional, and top views, respectively, of a bent-vane controlvalve 200, in accordance with an embodiment of an control valve 2. Theembodiment of FIGS. 10-14 illustrates alternative embodiments of thevane 30 and vane pivot element 32, among other things, as compared withthe embodiments of FIGS. 5-8. The bent-vane control valve 200 comprisesa valve body 10, a bent vane 36, and a vane float 40. FIGS. 11 and 13are cross-sectional views along cutline 11-11 of the control valve 200shown in FIG. 10, the cutline being substantially perpendicular to thebent vane 36. The bent vane 36 defines a V-shaped profile operable tosubstantially divide the valve chamber 12 into two sub-chambers asexplained below. The bent vane 36 in FIG. 11 is in a first position P1and in FIG. 13 is in a second position P2. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectionalview along cutline 12-12 of the control valve 200 shown in FIG. 11, thecutline being substantially parallel to a second half vane 36 b.

The bent-vane control valve 200 comprises the valve body 10 having anouter surface 14 and a body inner surface 16 defining a valve chamber12. The valve body 10 is substantially hollow with the valve chamber 12defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circulartransverse cross-section as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, and defining anaxis Y. The valve body 10 defines an inlet 20, a first outlet 22, and asecond outlet 24, each providing fluid conduits from the body innersurface 16 to the outer surface 14 such that fluid may flow into and outof the valve chamber 12.

The bent-vane control valve 200 further comprises a vane 30, in theembodiment of FIGS. 10-14 in the form of a bent vane 36. The bent vane36 is operable to divide the valve chamber 12 into a first sub-chamber13 and a second sub-chamber 15. The bent vane 36 comprises a first halfvane 36 a and a second half vane 36 b joined at an apex 39 defining aV-shaped profile. The bent vane 36 comprises a vane first side 35 and avane second side 37 opposite the vane first side 35, the vane first side35 defining a portion of the first sub-chamber 13 and the vane secondside 37 defining a portion of the second sub-chamber 15. The anglebetween the first half vane 36 a and the second half vane 36 b is incooperative arrangement with the location of the inlet 20, the firstoutlet 22, and the second outlet 24, operable to substantially restrictfluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the firstoutlet 22 in a first position P1 and operable to substantially restrictfluid communication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the secondoutlet 24 in a second position P2.

It is appreciated that there are many means for pivotally coupling thebent vane 36 to the valve body 10. By way of example, the bent vane 36may be pivotally coupled to the valve body 10 in substantially the sameway as the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, with dimple/divot elements.Alternatively, but not limited thereto, the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14comprise an armature 45 defining a C-shape, as viewed from the top inFIG. 14, having two armature ends 41 that extend through the valve body10 via the apertures 11 to couple with either ends of the apex 39 of thebent vane 36, along the axis X of the apex 39. The armature 45 maysubstantially conform to the shape of the body outer surface 14 of thevalve body 10. The armature ends 41 and the apertures 11 define the vanepivot element 32. The cooperative arrangement of the armature ends 41and the apertures 11 allow pivotal motion of the bent vane 36. It isappreciated that the pivotal coupling presented above may also beutilized with the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8.

The bent-vane control valve 200 further comprises a vane float 40coupled to the armature 45, and thus to the bent vane 36. The movementof the bent vane 36 from the first position P1 to the second position P2is affected by the buoyancy of the vane float 40 operable to rotate thebent vane 36 about the vane pivot element 32 in accordance to a tankwater level 95 of tank water 94 in the tank reservoir 92, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The pivot axis X upon which the bent vane 36 pivots, ispositioned parallel with the tank water level 95 such that when the tankwater 94 raises and falls, the vane float 40 raises and falls,respectively, and thus moving the bent vane 36 between the firstposition P1 and the second position P2.

Means for restricting the rotation of the vane 30, in this embodimentbent vane 36, is provided to control the rotation of the bent vane 36between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In accordancewith an embodiment, the means for restricting the rotation of the bentvane 36 comprises first stop 19 a and second stop 19 b operable tocontrol the rotation of the vane 36 between the first position P1 andthe second position P2, each stop defining a projection from the bodyinner surface 16 into the valve chamber 12.

The angle between the first half vane 36 a and the second half vane 36b, the location of the inlet 20, the first outlet 22, and the secondoutlet 24, and the location of the first stop 19 a and second stop 19 b,are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the first outlet22 in a first position P1 and operable to substantially restrict fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet24 in a second position P2.

By way of example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 13, the inlet 20 islocated at the 6 o'clock, or −90 degrees from axis Y, the first outlet22 is located at the 8 o'clock position or about −30 degrees from axisY, and the second outlet 24 is positioned at the 12 o'clock, or 90degrees from axis Y. The angle between the first half vane 36 a and thesecond half vane 36 b is about 100 degrees. The body inner surface 16defines a first stop 19 a defining a projection at about the 9 o'clockposition, or 0 degrees from axis Y, that is operable to engage thesecond half vane 36 b so as to prevent rotation of the bent vane 36 inthe counter-clockwise direction beyond the first position P1, as shownin FIG. 11. As such, the bent vane 36 substantially restricts fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the first outlet22 along the first flow path 26, as both the inlet 20 and the firstoutlet 22 are co-located within the first sub-chamber 13.

The body inner surface 16 defines a second stop 19 b defining aprojection at about 30 degrees from axis Y that is operable to engagethe second half vane 36 b so as to prevent rotation of the bent vane 36in the clockwise direction beyond the second position P2, as shown inFIG. 13. As such, the bent vane 36 substantially restricts fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the second outlet24 along the second flow path 28, as both the inlet 20 and the secondoutlet 24 are co-located within the second sub-chamber 12.

It is appreciated that various mechanisms may be used for restrictingthe counter-clockwise rotation of the bent vane 36 when in the firstposition P1 and the clockwise rotation in the second position P2, withthe first stop 19 a and the second stop 19 b, as shown in FIG. 11, asone example. Other examples include, but are not limited to, features ofthe valve body 10 that restrict the movement of the vane float 40, suchas, but not limited to the slot 18, engaged by the float stem 42 of theembodiment of FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative mechanism that may be used for restrictingthe counter-clockwise rotation of the bent vane 36 when in the firstposition P1 and the clockwise rotation in the second position P2. Thebody outer surface 14 further comprises first stop 19 a and the secondstop 19 b as projections operable to engage the armature 45 in the firstposition P1 and the second position P2, respectively.

The bent vane 36 is operable to substantially conform to the geometry ofthe body inner surface 16 of the valve body 10 so as to establish asubstantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber 13and a second sub-chamber 15. As discussed previously, an absolutefluid-tight separation between the first sub-chamber 13 and a secondsub-chamber 15 is not required for satisfactory function of thebent-vane control valve 200. Further, an absolute fluid-tight seal aboutthe armature ends 41 and the apertures 11 is similarly not required asthe water within the valve body 10 will simply leak into the tankreservoir 92. It is appreciated that wherein a fluid-tight seal isdesired, such may be facilitated by rubber seals and o-rings and othermeans known in the art to affect a desired seal.

As provided for the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, the inlet 20 comprises aninlet nipple 21 operable for coupling with a first refill hose 76 a,shown in FIG. 4. The first refill hose 76 a is operable for providing afluid connection between the fill valve bowl outlet 66 of the fill valve60 and the inlet 20. The second outlet 24 comprises a second outletnipple 25 operable for coupling with a second refill hose 76 b. Thesecond refill hose 76 b is operable for providing a fluid connectionbetween the second outlet 24 and the overflow pipe 70. In accordancewith the embodiment of FIG. 11, the first outlet 22 defines an aperturethat provides a fluid path out of the valve chamber 12. In accordancewith other embodiments, the first outlet 22 may comprise a first outletnipple suitable for coupling to tubing for directing the flow of wateraway from the bent-vane control valve 200. One purpose, by way ofexample, but not limited thereto, for directing the flow of water awayfrom the bent-vane control valve 200 is to preferentially agitate anysentiment in the bottom of the tank reservoir 92 for cleaning purposesduring a flush.

The position of the bent vane 36 is controlled by the cooperation of thevane float 40 with the tank water 94. When the tank water level 95 isbelow the vane float 40, the vane float 40, and thus the bent vane 36,is in the first position P1. When the tank water level 95 lifts the vanefloat 40 due to buoyancy affect, the bent vane 36 rotates to the secondposition P2.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the bent-vane control valve 200 of theembodiment of FIGS. 10-13. As discussed previously for the embodiment ofFIG. 9, the bent-vane control valve 200 further comprises an overflowpipe coupler 46, in accordance with an embodiment.

It is appreciated that other configurations of the vane 30 besides thestraight-vane 34 and bent-vane 36 provided above, may be suitably usedfor the intended purpose. Further, it is appreciated that otherconfigurations of the valve body 10, besides a cylindrical shape asprovided above, may be suitably used for the intended purpose. By way ofexample, wherein the valve chamber 12 defines a spherical shape, thevane 30 may define a flat or bent disk.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 5-14, the operation of the control valve 2is such that when the tank water level 95 is lowered below the controlvalve 2, the vane float 40 is in a lowered position presenting the vane30 in the first position P1 and thus substantially restricting fluidcommunication from the inlet 20 to substantially only the first outlet22, which is coupled in fluid communication to the tank reservoir 92,along the first flow path 26, as both the inlet 20 and the first outlet22 are co-located within the first sub-chamber 13. And, when the tankwater level 95 is raised above the control valve 2, the vane float 40 isin a raised position presenting the vane 30 in the second position P2and thus substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20to substantially only the second outlet 24, which is coupled in fluidcommunication to the overflow pipe 70, along the second flow path 28, asboth the inlet 20 and the second outlet 24 are co-located within thesecond sub-chamber 15. In this configuration, the bowl 80 will be filledwith bowl water 84 even if only a portion of the tank water 94 isreleased, as the bowl-fill portion of the refill process is at the endof the refill process.

The timing of the transition of mains water being supplied to the firstoutlet 22, and thus the tank reservoir 92, and the second outlet 24, andthus the bowl 80, is determined, at least in part, by the location ofthe vane float 40 of the control valve 2 relative to the final tankwater level 93, defined as the tank water level 95 at the time ofclosing of the fill valve 60 to the water main 54. The further below thefinal tank water level 93 that the vane float 40 is positioned, the vanefloat 40 will be raised sooner by the raising tank water level 95 andthe amount of mains water supplied to the overflow pipe 70, and thus thebowl 80, will be greater. By properly adjusting the location of the vanefloat 40 relative to the final tank water level 93, the control valve 2may be optimized to provide the correct amount of mains water suppliedto the bowl 80 sufficient to fill the bowl 80 to a desired bowl waterlevel 85 but not overfill the bowl 80 such that water overflows theoverflow 83 and into the drain 52, as shown in FIG. 3.

In accordance with an embodiment, the control valve 2 may be raised andlowered relative to the final tank water level 93 by raising andlowering, respectively, the overflow pipe coupler 46 along the length ofthe overflow pipe 70.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of using and adjusting the controlvalve 2, in accordance with an embodiment. A mark is made in the toiletbowl that is about the desired bowl water level 1502, such as, but notlimited to, 0.25 inches below the bowl water level of a maximally-filledbowl. Placing the mark at the bowl water level might lead to bowloverfilling as the bowl water level might be representing the level ofoverflow into the drain. Placing the mark below the bowl water levelensures that the mark is below the overflow level. The first fill hoseis coupled in fluid communication to the inlet nipple and the fill valvebowl outlet 1504. The control valve is installed in the tank reservoirby slidingly receiving the overflow pipe coupler onto the overflow pipe1506. A second refill hose is coupled in fluid communication to thesecond outlet and to the overflow pipe so as to direct the flow of mainswater into the overflow pipe and thus into the bowl 1508. The firstoutlet should be pointing in a downward direction. Position the overflowcontrol valve about 4 inches below the final tank water level, that tankwater level of a maximally-filled tank reservoir. Secure the overflowcontrol valve to the overflow pipe. The toilet is flushed and filled. Ifthe bowl water level is above the mark after the fill valve shuts off,the control valve is moved higher on the overflow pipe such that thefloat is raised later in the fill process and less mains water issupplied to the bowl. If the bowl water level is below the mark afterthe fill valve shuts off, the control valve is moved lower on theoverflow pipe such that the float is raised sooner in the fill processand more mains water is supplied to the bowl. If the bowl water level isat the mark after the fill valve shuts off, the control valve isproperly positioned on the overflow pipe, at which point no bowl wateris wasted by overflowing into the drain 1510.

In accordance with another embodiment, the vane float 40 may be adjustedalong the length of the shaft operable to fine tune the bowl waterlevel.

Alternatively, it is appreciated that the bowl-fill portion of therefill process may come at the beginning of the refill process. FIG. 16is a transverse cross-sectional view of a bent-vane control valve 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of an control valve 2 that provideswherein the bowl-fill portion of the refill process comes at thebeginning of the refill process. Comparing with the embodiment of FIG.11, the location of the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 24 areswitched. The first outlet 22 is provided with a first nipple 23 suchthat it may be coupled in fluid communication to the second refill hose76 b to direct the mains water to the overflow pipe 70. The secondoutlet nipple 25 maybe be coupled in fluid communication to a hosedirected into the tank reservoir 92.

Therefore, when the tank water level 95 is below the vane float 40, thevane float 40, and thus the vane 30, is in the first position P1substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet 20 tosubstantially only the second outlet 24, which is coupled in fluidcommunication to the overflow pipe 70, along the first flow path 26, asboth the inlet 20 and the second outlet 24 are co-located within thefirst sub-chamber 13. When the tank water level 95 is above the vanefloat 40, the vane float 40, and thus the vane 30, is in the secondposition P2 substantially restricting fluid communication from the inlet20 to substantially only first outlet 22, coupled in fluid communicationto the tank reservoir 92, along the first flow path 26, as both theinlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are co-located within the secondsub-chamber 12.

It is important to understand that the mains water coming out of thefill valve tank outlet 64 is unaffected by the control valve 2. Thecontrol valve 2 diverts mains water being supplied through the fillvalve bowl outlet 66 to either the tank reservoir 92 or the bowl 80.With the control valve 2 installed, the tank reservoir 92 may be filledwith mains water faster than without the control valve 2 as the waterthat would have been wasted into the drain by overfilling the bowl 80 ifthe overfill valve 2 is not used, is diverted to the tank reservoir 92.

It is appreciated that any suitable element may be used as a vane float40. The buoyancy property of the vane float 40 may be provided by anysuitable means, including, but not limited to, the material property ofthe vane float 40 and the construction of the vane float 40. Elementsexhibiting buoyancy suitable for use as a vane float 40 are well knownin the art. The vane float 40 may comprise a material that is buoyant inwater. Such material includes, but is not limited to, cork, expandedpolystyrene, and some closed-cell foams. The vane float 40 may definegeometry so as to impart buoyancy, such as, but not limited to, afluid-tight hollow element, an upward-facing cup, and a downward-facingcup that may trap air when exposed to raising water.

It is appreciated that the vane float 40 may be coupled to the vane 30in such a way that the vane float 40 is inside the valve chamber 12.FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a control valve 400, inaccordance with an embodiment of a control valve 2 comprising the vanefloat 40 coupled to a surface of the vane second side 37 of the vane 30so as to impart the desired functionality as described above. Thecontrol valve 400 further comprises a second inlet 99 operable to allowtank water to enter the second sub-chamber 15 as the water lever 95reaches the control valve 400. In this way, as the tank water enters andexits the second sub-chamber 15 from the tank reservoir 92, the buoyancyof the vane float 40 will rotate the vane 30 between the first positionP1 and the second position P2.

It is also appreciated that the vane 30 may comprise integral floatfunctionality. FIG. 18 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a controlvalve 500, in accordance with an embodiment of a control valve 2comprising a vane 130 comprising integral buoyancy means, so as toimpart the desired functionality as described above. In the embodimentof FIG. 18, the integral buoyancy means is a hollow portion 101. Thecontrol valve 500 further comprises a second inlet 99 operable to allowtank water to enter the second sub-chamber 15 as the water lever 95reaches the control valve 500. In this way, as the tank water enters andexits the second sub-chamber 15 from the tank reservoir 92, the buoyancyof the hollow portion 101 will rotate the vane 130 between the firstposition P1 and the second position P2.

It is appreciated that other means for positioning the control valve 2within the tank reservoir 92 may be used. By way of example, but notlimited thereto, the control valve 2 may be provided with afree-standing element that is not coupled to the overflow pipe 70.Another embodiment comprises an adhesive coupling for coupling to asurface within the tank reservoir 92. In yet another embodiment, across-brace is provided that spans across two opposing surfaces of thetank reservoir 92 upon which the control valve 2 may be coupled.

It is appreciated that the control valve 2 may be an integral part ofthe plumbing provided with the toilet. By way of example, but notlimited thereto, the control valve 2 may be permanently coupled to or anintegral part of the overflow tube 70. The toilet manufacturer maydetermine the ideal bowl water level for a particular toilet system andtherefore, adjustability of the control valve 2 on the overflow tube 70may not be required.

Embodiments of the control valve 2 are provided herein thatautomatically controls the flow of mains water to the bowl 80 so as toestablish an ideal water level in the bowl 80 without overfilling thebowl 80. Embodiments of the control valve 2 control valve 2 controls theflow of mains water to the bowl 80 irrespective of a specific tank 90 orbowl 80 design. Embodiments of the control valve 2 may be part of theplumbing system of a new toilet as well as used for retrofitting to anexisting toilet.

While there has been illustrated and described what are presentlyconsidered to be example embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subjectmatter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter withoutdeparting from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it isintended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may alsoinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims,and equivalents thereof.

1. A control valve for use with a toilet, the toilet including a tank in fluid communication with a bowl, the tank defining a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve, the overflow pipe including a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with the bowl, the fill valve including a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet, the fill valve inlet in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fill valve bowl outlet, the bowl in fluid communication with a water trap and drain, the control valve comprising: means for automatically controlling a flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl operable to control a water level in the bowl and to substantially prevent wasting bowl water over the water trap and down the drain during the refilling of the bowl, the means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the fill valve bowl outlet to the tank reservoir and the bowl comprising: a valve body including a body outer surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber, the valve body defining an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, each of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet providing fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water may flow into and out of the valve chamber; a vane disposed within the valve chamber and operable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the vane comprising a vane first side and a vane second side opposite the vane first side, the vane first side defining a portion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defining a portion of the second sub-chamber, the vane being operable to substantially conform to a geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, the vane being pivotally coupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable to allow rotation of the vane between a first position and a second position, wherein the vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position; and buoyancy means operable to move the vane between the first position and the second position in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir.
 2. The control valve of claim 1, the buoyancy means comprising a vane float coupled to the vane wherein the position of the vane is controlled by the buoyancy of the vane float in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir, wherein when water in the tank reservoir is disengaged from the vane float, the vane float positions the vane in the first position, and wherein when the water in the tank reservoir engages and lifts the vane float, the vane float rotates the vane to the second position.
 3. The control valve of claim 1, further comprising means for restricting the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position.
 4. The control valve of claim 3, the means for restricting the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position comprising a first stop and a second stop operable to control the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position, each of the first stop and second stop define a projection from the body inner surface into the valve chamber upon which the vane may abut at the respective first and second positions.
 5. The control valve of claim 4, wherein the location of the inlet, the first outlet, the second outlet, the first stop and the second stop, are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position.
 6. The control valve of claim 4, wherein the first stop is operable to engage the vane so as to prevent rotation of the vane in a counter-clockwise direction about the pivot axis beyond the first position wherein the vane substantially restricts fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet wherein both the inlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber, and wherein the second stop is operable to engage the vane so as to prevent rotation of the vane in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis beyond the second position wherein the vane substantially restricts fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-located within the second sub-chamber.
 7. The control valve of claim 4, the valve body further comprising a pair of apertures aligned with the pivot axis, an armature defining a C-shape including two armature ends operable to extend through the valve body via the apertures to couple with opposite edges of the vane intersecting the pivot axis, the cooperative arrangement of the armature ends and the apertures being operable to allow pivotal motion of the vane.
 8. The control valve of claim 7, the means for restricting the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position comprising a first stop and the second stop each defining a projection from the body outer surface operable to abut the armature in the first position and the second position, respectively.
 9. The control valve of claim 3, wherein the first outlet defines an elongated slot operable to provide fluid communication between the valve chamber and the tank reservoir, the control valve further comprising a vane float stem extending from an edge of the vane and extending through the slot and coupled to the vane float.
 10. The control valve of claim 9, wherein the slot defines a slot first end and a slot second end opposite the slot first end, wherein the means for restricting the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position comprises the slot wherein abutment of the float stem against the slot first end in the first position and abutment of the float stem against the slot second end in the second position restricts the rotation of the vane between the first position and the second position.
 11. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the first outlet is operable to be in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the second outlet is operable to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet.
 12. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the second outlet is operable to be in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and the first outlet is operable to be in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet.
 13. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the valve chamber defines a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the vane is a straight vane defining a rectangular profile.
 14. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the valve chamber defines a substantially spherical shape, wherein the vane defines a disk shape.
 15. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the vane is a bent vane defining a V-shaped profile, the bent vane comprising a first half vane and a second half vane joined at an apex.
 16. The control valve of claim 1, the vane further comprising a dimple projection extending from opposite vane edges and aligned with the pivot axis and operable to cooperate with corresponding divots in the body inner surface, the divots being operable to allow pivotal motion of the dimple projection therein.
 17. The control valve of claim 1, the inlet comprising an inlet nipple operable for coupling with a first refill hose operable for providing a fluid connection between the fill valve bowl outlet of the fill valve and the inlet, wherein the second outlet comprises a second outlet nipple operable for coupling with a second refill hose, the second refill hose being operable for providing a fluid connection between the second outlet and the overflow pipe.
 18. The control valve of claim 1, further comprising an overflow pipe coupler coupled to the valve body, the overflow pipe coupler comprising means for removable coupling with the overflow pipe and operable for adjusting the position of the control valve along a length of the overflow pipe.
 19. The control valve of claim 1, further comprising an overflow pipe coupler coupled to the valve body, the overflow pipe coupler comprising a split ring including a first half ring and a second half ring, the split ring defining an inner diameter for cooperative engagement with the outer surface of the overflow pipe having a complementary diameter, and including a fastener operable to clamp together the first half ring and the second half ring for removable engagement with the overflow pipe, the overflow pipe coupler being operable to allow for adjusting the position of the overflow pipe coupler along a length of the overflow pipe.
 20. The control valve of claim 19, the overflow pipe coupler further comprising a coupler pivot pivotally coupling the second half ring to the first half ring, the coupler pivot operable for spreading apart the second half ring relative to the first half ring such that the overflow pipe may be positioned therebetween.
 21. A method for automatically controlling a flow of water in a toilet from a fill valve bowl outlet to a tank reservoir and a bowl, comprising: providing a toilet including a tank in fluid communication with a bowl, the tank defining a tank reservoir operable for storing water and housing associated plumbing including an overflow pipe and a fill valve, the overflow pipe including a lumen therethrough defining an overflow pipe inlet at one end in fluid communication with the tank reservoir and an overflow pipe outlet at an opposite end in fluid communication with the bowl, the fill valve including a fill valve inlet, a fill valve tank outlet in fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and a fill valve bowl outlet in fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet, the fill valve inlet in fluid communication with the fill valve tank outlet and the fill valve bowl outlet; providing a control valve comprising: a valve body including a body outer surface and a body inner surface defining a valve chamber, the valve body defining an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, each of the inlet, first outlet and second outlet providing fluid conduits from the body inner surface to the body outer surface such that water may flow into and out of the valve chamber, the inlet being operable for fluid communication with the fill valve bowl outlet, the first outlet being operable for fluid communication with the tank reservoir, and the second outlet being operable for fluid communication with the overflow pipe inlet; a vane disposed within the valve chamber and operable to substantially divide the valve chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the vane comprising a vane first side and a vane second side opposite the vane first side, the vane first side defining a portion of the first sub-chamber and the vane second side defining a portion of the second sub-chamber, the vane being operable to substantially conform to a geometry of the body inner surface of the valve body so as to establish a substantially fluid tight cooperation between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, the vane being pivotally coupled within the valve chamber about a pivot axis and operable to allow rotation of the vane between a first position and a second position, wherein the vane and the location of the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet are in cooperative arrangement to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the first outlet when the vane is in the first position wherein both the inlet and the first outlet are co-located within the first sub-chamber, and to substantially restrict fluid communication from the inlet to substantially only the second outlet when the vane is in the second position wherein both the inlet and the second outlet are co-located within the second sub-chamber; buoyancy means operable to move the vane between the first position and the second position in cooperative engagement with water in the tank reservoir; and an overflow pipe coupler coupled to the valve body, the overflow pipe coupler comprising means for removable coupling with the overflow pipe and operable for adjusting the position of the control valve along a length of the overflow pipe; installing the control valve in the tank reservoir by receiving the overflow pipe coupler onto the overflow pipe such that the buoyancy means may interact with the water in the tank reservoir operable to move the vane between a first position and a second position; positioning the control valve higher on the overflow pipe if the water in the bowl is above a predetermined level at the completion of a flush refill; and positioning the control valve lower on the overflow pipe if the water in the bowl is below a predetermined level at completion of a flush refill. 